'It's having a huge impact': Offaly leading the way at a digital level
There has been a huge uptake in participation of computer science and robotics programmes across Offaly in recent times
Offaly has been thriving in the areas of computer science and robotics recently which has marked huge progress in digital literacy across the county.
This groundwork for this journey was put in place when Offaly became the first county with a dedicated STEM Engagement Officer in each Local Authority.
STEM education helps create a future-ready workforce aligned to emerging sectors such as green energy, digital services, advanced manufacturing and ICT, which are central to the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan and EU Just Transition objectives.
This programme supports economic transition by equipping young people with the skills required for emerging industries as traditional sectors decline as well as strengthening community resilience, and giving people the skills to adapt as jobs and technologies change.
It also offers the opportunity to keep young people living and working locally which as a result will reduce the skills drain from the Faithful County as well as the wider Midlands region in favour of bigger cities.
One of the most prominent outlets in this space has been the VEX Robotics Programme with 70 schools and approximately 3,000 students from Offaly involved.
An array of Offaly schools have also featured in the VEX Robotics World Championship in the last few years including Tubber National School (2023), Coláiste Choilm, Tullamore (2025), Sacred Heart School, Tullamore (2025), Tullamore College (2026), Sacred Heart School, Tullamore (2026).
Meanwhile, computer science is now available in 6 out of 13 post-primary schools in Offaly for the Leaving Certificate cycle.
This level of involvement outlines Offaly’s significant progress in the space with the national average in schools at 21% compared to 46% in Offaly.
The emphasis on computer science at an academic level within the county has been supported by Offaly County Council over the last number of years and continues to grow annually.
The DREAM Big Programme which took place from March 2-6, 2026 saw more than 250 students from Offaly involved. This programme aimed to inspire, engage, and support young people in the Midlands to pursue a career in advanced manufacturing.
Companies such as Grant Engineering, Thrace Synthetic, Condron Concrete and Irish Manufacturing Research, TUS also participated.
Looking beyond schools, the robotics and STEM programme has had a much wider reach across the county, supporting not just classroom learning but also youth clubs, after-school clubs, community groups and training initiatives.
These programmes are helping to build digital skills and confidence among young people and adults alike, creating more opportunities to engage with technology in a practical and hands-on way.
By extending activity beyond the school setting, the initiative is supporting a broader culture of innovation and participation across Offaly ensuring that communities, youth groups and training organisations can also benefit from the county’s growing focus on STEM and digital skills.
The robotics programme is also being used to support intergenerational learning across the county, bringing together schools, youth groups, after-school clubs, community organisations and training groups.
By working with younger people alongside older learners and community participants, the initiative is helping to share skills, build confidence and improve digital literacy across all age groups.
This approach is ensuring that the benefits of technology and innovation are not limited to the classroom but are reaching communities right across Offaly and supporting a more inclusive and digitally skilled society.
Offaly’s digital innovation has culminated in several milestones in recent times at both local and national level. These include being Invited to Ireland’s EU Welcome Reception in Brussels at the start of EU Presidency on July 1, 2026.
Offaly County Council showcased innovation at the Tullamore Show by featuring the new Hydrogen STEM school programme in the Sustainability Village and VEX Robotics in the Invention Area.
They have also been present at the National Ploughing Championships in Offaly Pavilion, Midlands Ireland and Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht as part of the digital journey.
Many of these advancements in the digital sector have been recognised with Offaly finalists in over 10 awards since 2024 including LAMA, Digital Town.ie, eGovernment Awards, EU Innovation in Politics Awards, Diversity in Tech Awards, Business Post STEM and Women in STEM Awards.
Ray Bell from Offaly County Council said: “Developing digital and STEM skills is essential for the future of Offaly. Through initiatives like our robotics programme, we’re not just supporting students in schools, but also working with youth groups, community organisations and training initiatives to build skills across all age groups.”
He continued: “This inclusive approach is helping to ensure that everyone, regardless of background or location, has the confidence and ability to participate in an increasingly digital world”.
Ray provided an update on the stark progress within Offaly to the elected members of Tullamore Municipal District at their Annual General Meeting on Thursday, June 11.
The Tullamore MD Councillors were full of praise for the work that has been carried out over the last few years as Offaly leads the way in improving digital literacy amongst the youth.
Following the presentation, Councillor Oliver Bryant commended the work that Ray and his team have done. “I know you are very passionate about what you do and the results are there in the screen in front of us and they cannot be underestimated particularly in the rural communities in the county.”
The Tullamore MD Leas-Chathaoirleach added: “To have over 70 schools participating in the VEX robotics programme, that is massive. I’d like to thank Offaly County Council for having a vision to be leaders in appointing a STEM engagement officer within the county. That was a massive step forward and I think we’ve reaped the rewards and will continue to do so.”
Councillor Sean O’Brien praised the influence of the programme and the long-term benefits it will bring to the next generation. “What has been done in this programme is absolutely immense and I don’t think it can be dismissed in any way. It’s having a huge impact on young people and their futures.”
The independent councillor recalled: “I’ve worked in education and training throughout my whole life and I’ve often gotten frustrated with the development within education and how its approached. However, what is being done here from the ground up, changing things and getting innovation going which is emphasised in the fact that 6 of the 13 schools in the county are doing computer science on their leaving cert agenda.”
He continued: “The work has had an immense impact on education and the development of it along with the skills that are being gained by our young people. I think it’s tremendous. It will be beneficial for new industries that come to Offaly and allow people to work from home, set up hubs so the results from this will be fantastic.”
Councillor Declan Harvey said the programmes is having a big impact at a local level. “I’m chair of St. Mary’s Youth Centre and they’re flying it down there going from strength to strength with STEM classes and things like that.”
“It’s huge to think that young people who are interested in this area now have the VEX Programme or can do computer science. They can become engineers and professors from it so the fact that Offaly County Council and Tullamore MD were one of the first ones to support the initiative is great.”
Councillor Neil Feighery paid tribute to the teachers who have completed training in order to meet the demand that is being shown for computer science within the schools in Offaly. He remarked: “It’s a very exciting space that we’re in which has transformed the whole educational landscape.”
“As chairperson of the LOETB, we work closely with Offaly County Council on trying to progress this but none of this can be achieved really without the cooperation of the teachers.”
The Fine Gael representative elaborated: “You have to remember that it’s the teachers in these schools that are working with the students and relearning new skills themselves to try and bring it to the classroom. They are putting in the time and effort for an extra curricular activity outside of hours and not getting financial enumeration so we have to recognise that commitment from the teachers also.”
Offaly County Council’s Ray Bell agreed with Cllr Feighery’s observation responding: “I have to agree, the teachers have been incredible and so have the schools, youth centres and people from the community groups. The whole county is working together towards reaping the benefits of this for our young people so I just wanted to acknowledge that.”
Councillor Aoife Masterson was the final elected member to weigh in on the topic lauding the long-term effects as a result of this work.
She mentioned: “This is the kind of technology and future that we need to be investing in because it will lead to people in Offaly having real jobs, prospects and opportunities. It shows that we are moving forward and valuing the skills being taught because it’s not just something theoretical, they learn to compete in a competition and impact and connect the community which is in the heart of absolutely everything.”
Cllr Masterson concluded: I’ve spent my life working with more marginalised communities and the digital divide is something that I'm acutely aware of. Living in Offaly, it's something that impacts a lot of our people and when I think of my own generation years ago, when we left school, you left your local community and went to work in a bigger area.”
“However, I think the long-term impact of this work will provide young people with the opportunity to stay in their community which is something that will be felt for generations to come.”
The levels of interest in computer science and the various programmes involved amongst students and young people throughout Offaly continues to surge yearly which will only enhance the long-term prospects within the Midlands in these areas in the future.